As most of you guys know, besides directing Loup Garou, I am also a full time non-profit Executive Director. My days are busy, but when I started this race in 2017, I knew I wanted to make space in my life for trail race directing - for providing a safe place for people to chase their dreams while falling in love with our home trail at Chicot State Park. While the little bit of money I make from the races is a nice bonus, much of what comes in goes directly back into the race - the aid stations, finish line food, awards, etc.
I probably could have poured myself into full time race directing and made a living off of it, but while I don't begrudge others who do, it was never about that for me. I just wanted to give people an opportunity to learn life changing lessons and create life long memories.
200 and 500 Mile Club
One example of that is our 200 and 500 mile clubs. Check the tab at the top of the website home page for more info on these. These were created purely to reward folks who are loyal to this race, and come out year after year and bring their families to make it the best possible race environment. There is no extra charge to win these awards - my reward is seeing smiling faces wearing their 200 and 500 mile jackets, and you guys having an excuse to tell people about the incredible things you have done.
That being said, I need to order the awards soon. I try to have those ready for the finish line with the jackets being custom ordered after the event and mailed to your home.
If you qualify for either of these awards, it is your responsibility to let me know! There are lots of you and one of me - I can't keep up with who has run what each year, so just let me know by email at Edie.Couvillon@gmail.com and I will add you to the list.
2026 Loup Garou Showdown
While looking ahead to 2026 - the 10th and final year for Loup Garou - I knew I wanted to do something special. I have many ideas of how every runner will feel the difference in 2026 - upgraded "10th Year" runner shirts and swag, newly designed medals and buckles adding in the "10th year", as well as other surprises, but I also wanted to add to the excitement of the race by bringing back all of the speedy folks, hence the 2026 Loup Garou Showdown.
When the registration for the 2026 race opens up, anyone who won first place male or female in any distance is eligible for a FREE entry into the distance they won in 2026. It would be fun to see some of these folks duke it out to be named overall LG Champion for each distance.
I'd say check the spreadsheet to see if you qualified, but I would hope you would know if you WON 1st place male or female in a race. But, if it makes you feel better to see your name on the list (it would for me), here is the link: 2026 Loup Garou Showdown . Reach out to me when the 2026 registration opens in the second week of December, and I will send you a code to register.
Thanks again for making all of the hard work that my volunteers and I go through worth it. You guys never disappoint us, and I can speak for all of my peeps that we can't wait to see you in December!!
Happy Running!
Edie
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